The average cost of living in San Jose is $3,401.90 per month
San Jose, California’s connection to Silicon Valley, means abundant tech job opportunities and a high average income for locals. It’s a place for tech companies and startup businesses, perfect for tech professionals and entrepreneurs.
While San Jose offers many advantages, it’s important to note the high cost of living, primarily due to its proximity to all basic amenities. Nevertheless, for those in tech or looking for a vibrant and diverse community, San Jose is an ideal choice for folks who want to move to California.
If you are planning to move to San Jose, keep reading this article to understand more about the expense of living in this so-called “Capital of Silicon Valley”.
Methodology
The main data collection source for this article is Numbeo and trusted city-related websites, including Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and city of San Jose website. The costs presented are estimates and pertain to an individual living alone on a monthly basis.
Cost of Living in San Jose, CA – 2024
Housing costs in San Jose
In August 2023, the median home price in San Jose was $1,271,025, marking a 2.3% decrease from the previous year. The price per square foot averaged $803. When looking at housing prices by bedroom type, there were declines across the board: 1 bedroom homes fell by 0.7%, 2 bedroom homes dropped by 2.3%, and 3 bedroom homes decreased by 3.7%.
Additionally, the San Jose real estate market had 1,273 homes for sale in August 2023, showing a 12.7% increase compared to July 2023. However, the median rent price in San Jose, CA for September 2023 is $3,150. This is $369 less than September 2022.
Cost of rent in San Jose
|
Area/Neighborhood |
1-bed apartment |
3-bed apartment |
|
San Jose (Outside city center) |
$2,415.24 |
$4,031.33 |
Cost of buying a property in San Jose
|
Area/Neighborhood |
Average home price |
|
San Jose |
$1,304,766 |
Utility costs in San Jose: Internet, electricity and water
The average residential electricity rate in San Jose is 31.23% higher than the national average of 11.88¢/kWh, with rates in the U.S. varying from 8.37¢/kWh to 37.34¢/kWh.
The details below will give you full details on the amount that you need to allocate from your budget once you move to San Jose.
Utilities |
Cost in San Jose |
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft apartment |
$298.23 |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
$96.72 |
|
Total |
$394.95 |
Electricity Local (Sept 2023) & Numbeo (Sept 2023)
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Grocery costs in San Jose
The cost of groceries in San Jose, California, can vary based on where you shop, your food preferences, and the size of your household. A single person in San Jose may spend around $298.12 monthly on groceries, covering items like fresh produce, meat, and dairy products.
|
Grocery items |
Costs |
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
$5.17 |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
$4.83 |
|
Rice (white) (1 lb) |
$2.95 |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
$5.48 |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
$7.08 |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
$6.51 |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) |
$8.39 |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
$2.73 |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
$0.82 |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
$1.76 |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
$2.77 |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
$1.70 |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
$1.61 |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
$3.10 |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
$15.00 |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
$1.95 |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
$2.68 |
Public transit in San Jose
Public transit in San Jose is important because it helps lessen traffic, gives people travel options, and helps the city be more environmentally friendly. It’s an easy way to get around town and connect with nearby places in the Bay Area.
The main public transportation in San Jose and nearby Santa Clara County is called the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). They have lots of buses, light rail trains, and special services for people with disabilities.
Below is a compilation of public transportation costs in San Jose:
|
Type of fare |
Cost in San Jose |
|
Single ticket |
$2.50 |
|
Daily pass |
$7.50 |
|
Weekly pass |
$52.50 |
|
Monthly pass |
$90.00 |
Entertainment costs in San Jose
San Jose has something for everyone, whether you’re into culture, outdoor fun, sports, or nightlife. You can enjoy live music from local bands and international artists, explore the outdoors with hiking and cycling in nearby parks, or have a great night out at bars and clubs with live music.
|
Entertainment |
San Jose |
|
Mid-range restaurant meal |
$50.00 |
|
1h taxi ride |
$40.00 |
|
1 movie ticket |
$15.50 |
Sales tax in San Jose
In San Jose, California, the sales tax rate is 9.25%, consisting of a 6.00% California state sales tax and 3.25% in local sales taxes specific to San Jose.
San Jose’s 3.25% local sales tax is the highest allowed by California law, exceeding the rates in the majority of other cities and counties in the state, surpassing 89.20% of them.
San Jose, CA Tax Rates (Sept 2023)
Healthcare costs in San Jose
In 2020, California made health coverage mandatory for residents, removing the individual mandate penalty. They also introduced a state-funded premium subsidy program to help low-income individuals get health insurance, promoting universal coverage.
San Jose, California, offers high-quality and easily accessible healthcare due to its proximity to major medical facilities and a strong healthcare system. When moving, having health insurance can safeguard you from unexpected and potentially costly medical expenses.
Healthcare costs in San Jose are as follows:
|
Type of healthcare |
Cost |
|
Employer-sponsored health insurance |
$101.23 |
|
Non-employer-sponsored health insurance (average cheapest) |
$486.00 |
|
Gym |
$98.09 |
Numbeo (Sept 2023), CA Health Care Foundation (April 2023) & EHealthInsurance (Sept 2023)
Conclusion
Living in San Jose offers a mix of advantages and challenges, with the cost of living being a significant factor that can affect locals’ lifestyles. Effective budgeting and financial planning are important for locals to enjoy the city’s amenities while managing their expenses.
If you want to live in San Jose comfortably and take advantage of everything it has to offer, an amount of $3,401.90 should be allotted monthly. This article can help you decide if your budget allows you to move to San Jose comfortably. Are you planning on moving soon? Check out the best of San Jose’s movers to assist you!
|
Category |
Monthly cost |
|
1 bed apt rent outside city center |
$2,415.24 |
|
Groceries Numbeo’s grocery list ($74.53 multiplied by 4) |
$298.12 |
|
Utilities Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage |
$298.23 |
|
Internet with 60 Mbps |
$96.72 |
|
Transit pass |
$90.00 |
|
Entertainment Meal, taxi, movie |
$105.50 |
|
Gym membership |
$98.09 |
|
Total |
$3,401.90 |
